But Some Parties Should Not Be Missed

TELUS WORLD SKI AND SNOWBOARD FESTIVAL, WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIAWhat started 16 years ago as a competition between ski-school instructors has grown into a snowy bacchanalia. The concerts in Whistler Village draw the crowds, but the can't-miss event is the Magnum P.I. Moustache Contest at Sushi Village. Crash at the Crystal Lodge and Suites (doubles, $168; crystal-lodge.com). April 15–24; wssf.com.ULLR FEST, BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADOIn 1963, Summit County skiers began celebrating the legend of Ullr, the Norse god of winter. Now sort of a Mardi Gras on snow, the festival's big draw is the parade, which features floats, booze, and endless high jinks. The main event is the Ullympics, a competition featuring a frying-pan toss. This fest packs the mountain, so make the 20-minute trip to Keystone to avoid the lift lines, and stay near the gondola at Mountain Thunder Lodge (from $228; breckresorts.com), which is close enough to walk to the events but far enough away that you can sleep in peace. January 9–15; gobreck.com.